Vienna: The Ultimate Winter Guide (Including 10 Best Christmas Markets)

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Imagine walking through fairy-lit streets filled with the festive cheer of Christmas markets, majestic palaces adorned with twinkling lights, and the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine. Isn’t it absolutely magical? Vienna turns into a magical land when the season turns cold, and the festive vibes of Christmas begin.

After visiting Vienna during Christmas in all its glory, I feel it wouldn’t be the same without all the festive decor and seasonal charm.

If you are still deciding where to go this Christmas season, Vienna is definitely the place to be. I will tell you everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip with your family this winter. Grab yourself a cup of coffee; you are going to be here for a while.

Why is Vienna Your Perfect Christmas Destination?

Are you still confused about where to go for Christmas and need help to decide which place is best? Especially if it is your first time visiting European Christmas markets, I am sure you would be excited and want to choose the right destination. Vienna is exactly the place you are looking for, and I will tell you why.

• Vienna is easily accessible by trains or flights.
• Most of the Vienna Christmas Markets are close to each other, and you will always see a new Christmas market around every corner of the city. They take their Christmas markets seriously, and you can feel that during your visit. Each one is so beautiful yet different from the other.
• They have a never-ending list of mouth-watering delights. If you want to try them all, you should really consider putting on some of Joey’s Thanksgiving Pants (if you know what I mean!). We rarely ate in a restaurant on our trip as we stuffed ourselves in the x-mas markets. Oh, don’t forget to drown yourself in Glühwein (mulled wine) to keep warm.

• The public transport in Vienna is fantastic, and you never have to think about renting a car to visit places that are not walkable from the center. (Even they are connected by trams, buses, and metro.)
• Vienna also offers a lot of day trip possibilities to other towns and villages nearby. Hallstatt is perfect for a winter day trip from Vienna, and it is absolutely the winter wonderland you would have read about in books and seen in Disney movies.
• Oh, I almost forgot this one. Vienna Christmas markets have wonderful ice-skating rinks, which are so much fun. Some of them even offer other winter activities.
• And their people, you can see many wonderful people spreading Christmas cheer all around the town. You might even be handed some homemade Christmas delights for free if you are lucky.
• They have tons of handmade decorations and ornaments for your tree. But do not forget to get yourself a snow globe from here. (After all, this is the birthplace of snowglobes, and they have so many cute handmade ones.)

This list could just go on, so I forced myself to put out only the highlights. I am sure you will surely not be disappointed.

What and What Not to Expect in a Christmas Market?

What is all the fuss about these Christmas markets, huh? If you have never been to a Christmas market (European markets in particular), you would wonder what is all the rage about it and what to expect during your visit.

Prepare to Be Enchanted

• The festive atmosphere, the aroma of all the seasonal delights, twinkling lights, and, if you are lucky, you could enjoy the sight of freshly covered snow.
• If you are looking for handmade gifts or ornaments for your tree, you are at the right place. You will be treated to many intricate handicrafts, so make sure to have space in your luggage to take back a lot of souvenirs.
• One of the highlights of European Christmas markets is the mouth-watering array of festive food and drinks. Indulge in seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, sausages, and some specialty Austrian dumplings.
• Christmas is the time for special events, and Christmas markets are much more than just the shops. Usually, there are some live performances, music, carol singers, and cultural shows. You can enjoy traditional dances, listen to local choirs, or even participate in group sing-alongs to Christmas carols.
• European Christmas markets have decorations that are beyond beautiful and more elaborate. They have festive lights, ornate Christmas trees, enchanting displays, and intricately decorated market stalls, which create a magical and picturesque setting.

But you also need to know some things before planning a visit to European Christmas markets.

What Not to Expect From Christmas Markets?

• Christmas markets are not flea markets. You will be disappointed if you expect to buy ornaments and decorations at a bargain price. The prices might be comparable to the shops or slightly even on the expensive side. It is mostly about craftsmanship and the vibe; the prices are fixed for the art and the experience. (You could always browse, that’s free).
• Christmas markets are popular among the tourists as well as the locals. Since it is a seasonal event, the more popular they are, the more crowded they could get. So you might have to rethink if you don’t like being surrounded by many people. You might find fewer people in some markets during the daytime, but that’s not always a given.

• Christmas markets might be closed on Christmas or even Christmas Eve. (Shocking, right?) Don’t plan your visit exactly on the holiday, as you might be surprised to see the entire city empty. Usually, the Christmas markets start at the end of November and go until New Year. But they are not always open throughout the day. Each market has its opening dates and timings. More on that later.
• While European Christmas markets share many common traditions, each country and region may have unique customs and specialties. Don’t expect identical experiences across all markets; embrace the diversity and explore the local flavors and traditions.
• Do not expect snow during your visit. I know you would have seen a lot of pictures of the roofs of the cathedrals covered in snow. It looks absolutely magical, but in Vienna, it doesn’t always snow in December (sometimes only a light shower that disappears in an hour). If you are lucky, you could see some snow. But you could always take a day trip to the surrounding mountains to see some snow. (Keep reading. I have some best day trip options below.)

Some Christmas Market Ethics and Tips

If this is your first time, these tips might be helpful.

• Know how to drink your “Glühwein” or any drink in a Christmas market. The drinks are served in mugs with unique designs with the name of the market or the vendor on it. You need to rent your mugs or bring your own. So basically, if you don’t have one with you, they will give you one while purchasing the drink (you could ask for a different shape or design as well). You will be paying an additional €5 or so as a deposit in addition to the cost of your drink. You could always get a refill in a different stall using this mug. Then finally, when you are all done, you need to return it to the same place where you paid your deposit and get back your money. It could feel like a lot, but checking out the different types of cute mugs is fun. (You could find cute mugs shaped like a shoe). You could also take it with you as a souvenir for just the price of the deposit, which is not much, considering how cute the mug is.

• Carry cash! I can’t stress enough about this. Not all vendors accept cards, but some do. But the food and drink stalls only accept cash except in a few places. They prefer having cash transactions because they also have to return your deposit. You could find ATMs nearby but only withdraw from there if you need to, as they charge extra even if you use the same currency (I think the fee is based on the card used). We paid around €5 extra for a €50 withdrawal which is crazy, so bring in some cash with you or withdraw your money from ATMs that are not in the vicinity of the Christmas markets.

• Sundays are holidays! If you love shopping, Vienna has it all. But do not plan to shop on Sundays, as most shops except some supermarkets are closed. Some Christmas markets might still be open, but I recommend checking their opening dates and times.

Psst! The Christmas market traditions are different for different regions, so what holds good for Vienna might not work for another place in Europe, so make sure to always check the opening dates and times for the markets before planning your visit.

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Vienna Christmas Markets?

I would recommend spending 2 to 3 days to enjoy everything Vienna has to offer. As this experience is better enjoyed slowly, rushing from one Christmas market to another would be overwhelming. Also, they have so many delicious seasonal foods to try, and it could be a little difficult to try them all at once. If you are on a tight schedule, I recommend at least spending one night as you can enjoy the true beauty of the extensive light decorations better at night.

What is the Best Time to Plan Your Visit to Christmas Markets in Vienna?

The answer is definitely not during the Christmas week. Everyone wants to experience a magical Christmas, but I would recommend not trying to do so. You will be shocked to see the empty streets as the locals celebrate the festival with their families. All the shops will be closed on Christmas Eve and the day of Christmas. And a few days just before Christmas, everything will be insanely expensive. So, I believe the best time to visit the Vienna Christmas Markets would be during the first two weeks of December.

Best Things to Do in Vienna During Winter

I guess now you are all set to experience the magic of Vienna’s Christmas Wonderland.

Visit the Magical Vienna Christmas Markets

Vienna is a city known for its Christmas markets, and it would be a sin to not visit as many as you can. Every market has something unique about it, which makes visiting each of it very special. I have made a list of the most famous Christmas markets in town and also added a map so you can plan your visit accordingly.

But before that, a little on Vienna’s history of Christmas market traditions. It is an age-old tradition that started in 1294 as December Markets. It has now evolved to a whole new level with over 20 Christmas Markets.

1. Christkindlmarkt in Rathausplatz

This is Vienna’s most famous winter Christmas market because of its central location in the square in front of the town hall. It is also quite renowned for its big Welcome Arch with the words “Frohe Weihnachten” or “Wiener Christkindlmarkt” written with lights and other decorations. It is absolutely a spectacle to see. Not just that, it is also filled with so many different decorations that change yearly, and some remain a tradition, like the heart tree.

The huge Christmas tree located in the heart of the market has a tradition too. Every year since 1959, a municipality in Austria donates one of its best trees grown in their soil to the Christmas market.

Psst! It is one of the crowdest markets as well, so I recommend visiting it during the day for shopping and enjoying the vibe and its delicious food and drinks after the sunset when the lights shine bright.

2. Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace

The Christmas market (village) here is set up against the stunning Baroque backdrop of the Belvedere Palace. With around 40 stalls in front of this magnificent palace and adorned with beautiful decorations, it is undoubtedly worth a visit. The water fountain outside the palace beautifully reflects the Christmas market’s charming decorations and the palace’s grandeur.

3. Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square

Located between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, you’ll find Maria-Theresien-Platz, home to a delightful traditional Christmas market nestled amidst the nearby historic buildings. Immerse yourself in this enchanting Christmas village, where you can explore rustic handicrafts, marvel at artisanal Christmas decorations, and indulge in a delightful array of culinary delicacies that are sure to captivate your senses.

Psst! This is one of the markets which closes a wee bit late on the weekends. And if you haven’t noticed already, it is open on Christmas, folks! So if you are really set on visiting Christmas markets on the day of Christmas, here’s your chance.

4. Christmas Village at Campus University of Vienna

This Christmas market located in Vienna’s former general hospital was started in 1999 and ever since is loved by people all over Austria. 

Craftsmen from the entire country gather to transform this Christmas village into a truly amazing world, offering you a taste of traditional Austrian Christmas in all possible forms.

5. Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

The courtyard of the Schönbrunn Palaces becomes the home to approximately 80 beautifully decorated Christmas huts creating a festive atmosphere. Usually, there are around 60+ stalls, but 2023 is truly special as it is their 30th year of having Christmas markets in the palace courtyard. I loved the food here in this market, especially the garlic soup and the sweet and savory dumplings (they were an absolute delight).

This market becomes a New Year’s market after Christmas and remains open till the 4th of January. Isn’t that the best? This is for someone like me who cannot accept the fact that they have to wait until next December to revisit a Christmas market. I am the kind of person whose face lights up so bright when someone just utters the word Christmas. (You cannot take the festive spirit away. So what if Christmas is already over? You can still be in denial and not remove your decor until late January. It is completely okay!)

6. Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg

Imagine wandering into narrow cobblestone streets lined up with Christmas Markets. Isn’t it like something from a movie? Then this Christmas market located in the revitalized heritage district is what you are looking for. This may be smaller than the other markets but surely has everything you want. You will find a lot of local merchants selling their handmade products, ceramics, and many other intricate objects.

7. Art Advent Christkindlmarkt in Karlsplatz

This market is notable for multiple reasons and should definitely be on your list. The market stalls are located against the backdrop of the Karlskirche (St. Charles’s church). This church has a beautiful teal dome which reminds me of Fredrik’s Church in Copenhagen.

Not just that, as you may have already noticed, the name “Art Advent” shows the emphasis on art. Yes, every Christmas market has a lot of unique art and handicraft. Still, the handicraft from here is known to be of better quality as the craftsmen here are handpicked yearly. Also, the food stalls found in this market mostly lean towards serving organic foods.

Psst! The glow on the dome during sunset is spectacular, and I would recommend visiting around the sunset hour.

8. Christmas Market in Riesenradplatz

This Christmas market is located in the Prater Amusement Park, which is known for the famous Ferris wheel of Vienna, the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, where you can ride the cool vintage Ferris wheel and since it is an amusement park you can ride many other cool rides too while also enjoying the regular Christmas market stalls. Another cool thing is this market is open till the first week of January, so if you are visiting in late December or early January, you could still soak in some festive cheer.

9. Am Hof Advent Christkindlmarkt

Am Hof Market is one of the very exclusive Vienna Christmas markets. It is also one of my favorite Christmas markets that I visited. It is not the biggest one, but I liked the vibe of it. Also, if you plan to take a souvenir “Glühwein” mug, this is the market where you should get it. They have unique mug designs, and I liked them best out of all the others I had seen. I also saw some of the most unique handmade products here.

Psst! Do not miss the Käse Krainer from here. It is so yummy.

10. Freyung Christkindlmarkt (Altwiener Christkindlmarkt)

This is just a few steps away from the Am Hof Christmas market and is one of the traditional Vienna Christmas markets. The origin of this market dates back to 1772. Once you enter it, you can feel it is a traditional market. I loved its entrance which has a very cozy vibe. This is quite small and would not take much time, so do not skip this one.

Psst! Usually, the nativity scene is painted along the side of the road of the Christmas market. You will also find a lot of small stalls selling organic produce and handicrafts on the side of the road.

Go on a Walking Tour of Vienna

If you know us, then you already know that we strongly advocate going on a walking tour in every city you visit. Especially in a city like Vienna, its history and charm can be best explored on foot. The city’s enchanting Christmas decorations will leave you awestruck at every corner as if stepping into an outdoor palace. Reserve a few hours for this self-guided walking tour (Vienna Unwrapped) to savor the night views, complemented by a convenient Google Map.

For history enthusiasts, an expert-guided tour like this top-rated city highlights tour will delve into the rich past. Additionally, explore the city’s World War II history with this immersive walking tour, popular among those intrigued by this period. Whether self-guided or with a guide, a walking tour in Vienna promises an unforgettable experience, catering to all interests and curiosities.

Psst! Do not forget to take a coffee break in some of the coziest cafes you might encounter. Vienna is also known for its coffee.

Climb the St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the biggest cathedral you could find around the city’s center. It is also known for its beautiful colored tiles on the roof. The tiles form the image of the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the court of arms of the city of Vienna. It is also the tallest cathedral in Austria, whose tallest tower is 136 meters high. The best part is you can climb them to enjoy a spectacular view of the city from above. You could enjoy the views from two of its towers.

The south tower offers a better city view but doesn’t have a lift. You must climb 343 steps into the narrow, dark, winding tower. The climbing part is not so fun, especially when layered up for the cold. You are probably wearing your winter boots, so it will be pretty challenging as you might encounter people climbing down the same stairs when you are trying to go up.

But if you are lucky enough, you could get some great views up there. Why should we be lucky enough to see the view? This is from my personal experience. The cathedral is very popular this time of the year, leading to overcrowding. We felt so much suffocated up there after the immense climb. We were a little disappointed to see we get to see the views from behind a closed window which was slightly frosted due to the cold weather.

We saw some good views, but honestly, I have seen better ones. (Note: The view is incredible, and I am only talking about the platform from which we can see the views.)

The north tower takes you up to 60m high, but the good thing is you can take the lift. From this tower, you can get a better view of the colorful roof tiles (If you are lucky, you can see snow dustings on the roof, making it even more magical). You could also see the largest bell in Austria, called the Pummerin. Please make sure to check their official website for their opening times. During our visit, the north tower was closed for some maintenance work.

Psst! The entrance to both towers are separate, and the entry fee for the visit can be bought separately for just one. Consider purchasing the entire tour package, which includes an overall experience. I recommend doing the entire tour, especially when visiting during the holiday season, because that way, you wouldn’t miss anything. When it is super crowded, you wouldn’t be able to get proper directions to the entry, and a lot of people will be trying to sell you tickets to some concert.

Tip! This tip is for men. You might want to take off your hats, caps, or beanies when you enter the main cathedral.

You can check more information about your tickets from here and their opening times before your visit. Unfortunately, they don’t have an online booking option at the moment.

Note! There is a lovely Christmas market just outside the cathedral, and the hot chocolate punch I had from here was super delish.

Ride the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel

This is another way to enjoy the views over the city but with little effort as it doesn’t involve any climbing. Isn’t that nice? Unlike your regular Ferris wheel, this is one of the oldest Ferris wheels operating to date. It was originally built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Later they considered it a failure and were given a permit to be destroyed in 1916.

However, the demolition never happened due to lack of funds. It was burned down in 1944, reconstructed in 1945, and came into operation again back in 1947. It was ever running since then until the recent pandemic in 2020, due to which the operation was temporarily suspended after running for 73 years.

It is back in operation again. Its vintage reg wagons are so cool, and the 360-degree view of the city is spectacular. I loved this view better than the one from St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

It can carry only a limited number of people, so be sure to pre-book your time slots here, especially if you visit during the holidays.

Tickets for the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel

• Regular adult fare is €13.50.
• They also have a Platform 9 ticket for all the adrenaline junkies out there. You can ride on an open wagon with a steel frame and glass floor. The tickets are, however, on the pricey side (€89 per person).
• You could also opt for the wagons with dining arrangements curated according to your needs. (Ahem! Is anyone thinking of an idea for a grand proposal?)

Tip! It would be wonderful to ride the Ferris Wheel during the golden hour. Try your luck; you might be blessed with a clear sky and a golden sunset, even on a cold winter day.

Psst! We were not lucky to experience it in Vienna, but we did in Copenhagen. Check out our stairway to heaven experience in Copenhagen during winter.

If you still have an extra spare day, you should definitely visit the Schönbrunn Palace (there is a beautiful Christmas market outside the palace) and the Hofburg Palace.

Although we didn’t include these palaces in this trip’s plans as we focused on enjoying the Christmas markets and festive spirit. Also, I spent way too much time running around the Christmas markets that I didn’t have time to explore the palaces of Vienna (which calls for another future trip).

Everything You Should Eat on Your Trip to Vienna During Christmas

Before going on with the list that could just make you drool right away and yearn for Christmas, this is not all. Vienna has so much food to try that this guide won’t fit all of them. But this list should keep you busy for this time. It is a lot of food, folks! If possible, try to split it with your buddy so you can try a lot more.

• Punsch, Glühwein, and Hot Chocolate – Are you even in a Christmas market if you are not carrying a cute cup of Punsch or Glühwein all around, strolling through the crowd? I spent the whole 3 days roaming outside, and without these lifesavers, I wouldn’t have survived the cold. Try the Fruity Punsch or Spiced Glühwein (mulled wine) at the Vienna Christmas markets. Oh, don’t get me started on their hot chocolates. (Oooh, they are so delicious, I kept wanting more).
• Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) – The traditional spiced gingerbread cookie, often beautifully decorated with icing.
• Maroni (Roasted Chestnuts) – Savor the warm, roasted chestnuts sold at the Christmas markets. They are literally everywhere you turn. Standing around one of their stalls is so warm as the aroma, and the heat from roasting the chestnuts is so wonderful.
• Langos – A deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, garlic, or even cheese. I loved the garlic version. I obviously asked for extra garlic brushing. It was so delicious.
• Vanillekipferl – It is a crescent-shaped vanilla-almond cookie, a Christmas favorite.
• Wiener Würstel (Viennese Sausages): Sausages and dumplings are just a way of life in Vienna. They have so many varieties of sausages to try. My top favorite was Kasekrainer, a sausage with small chunks of cheese in between that melts in your mouth in every bite. (Yum!)
• Kaiserschmarrn – This is just shredded pancake, usually served with plum compote or applesauce. 
• Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes) – Enjoy crispy potato pancakes, often served with applesauce. This is an Austrian version of hashbrowns. It is so comforting when eaten hot.
• Baumkuchen – Experience the unique “tree cake,” made of thin layers of cake baked on a spit. It is called a tree cake because the thin layers seen when cutting resemble the tree rings.
• Kürtőskalács (Chimney cake) – This is more of a Hungarian dish but is popular in many Christmas markets. It was yummy would just be an understatement.
• Schaumrollen – They are chimney cakes with meringue filling. 
• Marzipan – It is an almond-based confectionery, often shaped into various Christmas figures.
• Germknödel – Indulge in this fluffy yeast dumpling filled with plum jam and topped with melted butter and poppy seeds. It kind of looks like a dumpling, though.
• Beignets – These are a kind of Viennese doughnut, often filled with apricot jam.
• Sachertorte – A famous Viennese chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and topped with chocolate glaze.
• Eierlikör (Egg Liqueur) – Warm yourself with this creamy egg liqueur, a popular Christmas drink. It is basically eggnog.
• Apfelstrudel – Don’t miss the chance to try the classic Viennese apple strudel, served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. Apfelstrudel is one of my favorites. It is simply delicious.

I have covered most of them, you will definitely eat a lot of carbs, but that is what the holiday season is for, anyway. I spent most of my money on food on this trip.

How to Get Around in Vienna?

Vienna has an extensive public transportation system in the forms of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (local trains), trams, and buses. The best way to explore the city is by buying a Vienna City card which offers free public transport on all of the above. There are different options to choose from with additional airport transfer, access to hop-on and hop-off tourist buses, and so on.

But the traditional city card, which starts at €17 per day, would be a perfect fit for exploring all the places given in this guide. You can additionally take the Airport transfer option if you are flying into Vienna. We came by Austria’s night jet (Their sleeper trains), so we took the regular ones, which cost us €29 for 72 hours per person. This comes down to just €10 per person per day, which is great, and we used it as much as possible.

We usually like to walk a lot, but because of the cold weather, we took public transport whenever possible to reduce our walking, and we were pretty surprised at how well-connected the city is.

You can buy your Vienna City Card from here and directly use it by downloading their Ivie app, which also includes a city guide. It also helps you to find your connections.

Where to Stay in Vienna?

The best place to stay would be right in the middle of all the action, which is closer to the old town center, within walkable distance from any of the bigger Christmas markets, so that you could quickly walk back to your place when it gets too cold at night. Vienna is very popular for Christmas; hence, the stays become expensive, so booking it early would help you save a lot. We booked almost 3 months before our trip. Then we noticed how the price for all the nice accommodations skyrocketed a month before our trip.

We stayed at Hotel Graf Stadion, which is close to the main Vienna Christmas market at the town hall square and the center.

Our Other Recommendations for Staying in Vienna

• HENRI Hotel Wien Siebterbezirk
• Roosevelt Stadthaus
• Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus
• Hotel Zipser
• Hotel Kärntnerhof

Want to explore more options in Vienna? Check out more stays in Booking.com. We use Booking.com to book all our stays and have always had a good experience.

Day Trips From Vienna

If you are looking for some day trip options away from the bustling city but with all the Christmas charm. Then Hallstatt is what you are looking for. It is a real-life fairytale village, and since it is surrounded by the Alps, you could also witness snowfall. I would recommend visiting Hallstatt and spending a night in the nearby village of Obertraun. Alternatively, this guided tour to Hallstatt from Vienna ensures you make the most of your time.

If you are not in a hurry, then you should definitely plan a leisurely visit to Hallstatt, and trust me, these photos from our experience will convince you to visit Hallstatt. We have the perfect Obertraun and Hallstatt itinerary ready for you!

Now you are all set to plan your Christmas trip to Vienna and enjoy the magic of the season at the best place you can. Now all I can think of is cozy sweaters, a big mug of hot chocolate, and many Christmas treats. Let me know what you are excited about doing this Christmas in Vienna. You know what? I will be thrilled to see your pictures of Vienna in winter. Tag me (@kiki_and_sunshine) in your posts. “Frohe Weihnachten”, folks!